The Radial Engine Start Up Goes Up in Smoke! This is the Biggest Most Rowdy Fire Up Yet at MOSG!

[@smoknarrow]

We’re idiots , but sometimes we do things correct.) put it on a shirt Merlin

[@frisbynathan]

I’d buy that shirt.

[@brentbosworth8845]

I'd buy a shirt like that, Have McKay sign it too.

[@Telephony954]

Most of us, will never get anywhere near one of these monsters. But Merlin, takes an oil bath from one. I do so enjoy, watching you and your associates try to entertain us. Thank you. Be well.

[@JimWooddell]

That would make a hell of an air boat engine. Not that I am trying to plant ideas into your head!😊

[@CJM7080]

I just watched this and I was about to say the same thing.

[@iangallaugher3468]

Merlin, you must have the most understanding neighbors ever. Smoke, flames, noise!

[@ikepeters9758]

That’s awesome seeing that old radial running 👏👏👏

[@UncleManuel]

"We are idiots - but sometimes we do things correct!" This has to make it on a t-shirt asap! 😂😂😂

[@chicnwing4519]

Who else has VW engine and a 9 cylinder radial engine and everything in between in their garage at home in the neighborhood ? IF your next door neighbor sells out I'm moving in

[@RuralTowner]

He has a couple neighbors nearly equally loud stuff but Merlin has more of the unique kind.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Just about everyone in Havasu has something loud. That’s why you move there.

[@jeromestrong5614]

Another Awesome video. What toys Merlin has to play with. Thanks for the ride along Merlin. Thanks guys. God Bless

[@peterbowling2410]

Being an aircraft engine maintainer many years ago it was always a joke that when these engines stop leaking oil they’re empty. They all leak. Great vid.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

peterbowling2410 Kinda like old Triumph motorcycles and old VW Bugs.

[@capicolaspicy]

@@lilorbielilorbie2496 was just going to say my Triumph '69 Bonneville had the oil level verification feature - a fresh drip or two in the morning always confirmed I still had oil lol.

[@ZootSuitCooter]

I'm a retired aircraft mechanic. First and last time I touched a radial engine was in A&P school in Waco, TX back in the 80s. It was mounted on a De Havilland Beaver. It was murder to get started but once it did it ran like a spotted ass ape. It smoked like a chimney, and loud, I'm here to tell ya. lol Lotta fun. Kinda silly looking back, a lot of stuff they taught us in school I never touched once in the field.

[@bobbynichols7159]

I bet your neighbors love you

[@chrisnorcross618]

They're probably used to his antics by now.

[@johnmaddan8344]

Bahahaha.Merlin,when that thing lit you didnt know whether to shit,run,fight or puke.I totally get it.I ve been an A&P for over 30 years.lol

[@carlokerblom770]

Now you can build a motorcycle frame and install that radical engine on the frame n go riding!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@jim6682]

Hey Merlin if you could put a heavy flywheel on that thing in place of the propeller it would probably smooth it out quite a bit.

[@davidmiller6010]

Grandpa had a Jenny before I was born. Dad always said you tell you were around a plane because the smell of the castor oil was unmistakable pungent and strong. I'm pretty sure castor oil was mixed into whatever they were using as fuel. So maybe try some castor oil for a sweet treat!

[@mrmagoo916]

Never, a boring day at Merlin's, never, thanks .

[@bryanbodewitz8752]

Frickin awesome, I've got to get this video to my father , 90 years old , Korean War vet , flight mechanic on a Martin b26 , 8 gun hardnose named pair-o-dice , and a douglas c47 named Cokey , so proud of my dad , and his service , . GOD BLESS AMERICA ,

[@79tazman]

My great uncle was in the Korean war shortly after he got back from WW2 he was with the Canadians. I would of loved to of heard stories from both wars but he passed when I was young but he flew bush planes right up to his dying day.

[@RusThompson]

Merlin, you are amazing, bordering on genius!

[@warrenmichael918]

He is bordering on something alright, not sure if its genius or something on the other end of the chart!! LOL This guy is pretty awesome!

[@RusThompson]

@@warrenmichael918 Merlin is a great guy!

[@warrenmichael918]

@@RusThompson I agree, he seems to be a very cool guy that is just full of knowledge and is loved by everyone he deals with. I wish i lived closer and i could visit with him.

[@moefuggerr2970]

Most excellent sound.

[@rolandtb3]

Doing correct. Progressively getting it to run better. Congrats. Experience, intuition, common sense for some brave idiots. With some internet help and friendly advice.

[@jaynelson5793]

Is it just me, or does the sound of a radial engine starting just make your knees weak? Love that sound!

[@billwalker5883]

Mr Merlin, you always live up to your title. Braising and using a touch. Very awesome to watch your videos.

[@wackowacko8931]

FYI, the reason that they used inertia starters is because they were less likely to bend rods if the engine got hydraulic-locked with oil in the bottom cylinders. Some of those early starters weren't strong enough to bend the rods, but other larger radials had clutch mechanisms to prevent it. Yes, inertia starters were initially used so that they could hand crank the starter up to a level to start the engine in the field, but eventually they eliminated the hand crank option because the engines got physically too big to start via a hand crank inertia starter. They kept the inertia starters later on because they were less likely to bend the rods. In addition, the inertia starters were usually a bit lighter than a direct drive electric motor. If a motor has been sitting for a while, the mechanics use a procedure called "burping" for a first start. They take all the spark plugs out of the bottom cylinders on the engine, then start and run it for a few minutes to get all the oil out of the bottom cylinders. The engine will start fine with the bottom plugs removed, it will just lope a bit. Most airplane rotary engines use 24 volt systems, so the starters usually need 24 volts. If it is having trouble spinning up the starter, you can add in a 6 volt battery in series with your (2) 12 volt batteries, the extra voltage won't damage the starter. You don't want to over-spin the starter though, so use caution when doing it that way.

[@aloberdorf4579]

Can't wait till you put this on your plane....it would be like an A7-E, (minus the mini gun) An Engine with a seat. Wowser Dude !!!!!!

[@JonStein-mu5eb]

Or put it on a flat-bottom boat and take it to the swamp.

[@davidferguson635]

Holy shit yes!! I forgot about this thanks for coming back to it I was so excited when you got it it’s freaking bad ass keep up the good work and when I need a good laugh I watch your off road pull with colt lol your are the man!!!!

[@zukgod]

Oh, you can't leave us hanging like that. I need to see that old girl singing. I can't wait to see what this might end up in. Coolest project ever, hands down. Now I have to start looking for one for myself.

[@stevelangston2359]

To start; fuel off spark off! Rotate through to clear all oil from lower cylinders the spark then fuel. Retired A@P mechanic here

[@makaycampbell1682]

We did that before it was started

[@mattc.310]

Nice to see the radial back in the garage. Nothing comes close to the sound of a radial engine. Pure aviation music. Thanks for having us over.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Growing up, some friends liberated a six cylinder inverted aircraft engine. A seven foot hand carved pusher prop was built. A speedometer was used as a tach, and an ignition system was rigged up. This contraption was mounted on a 57 Chevy frame. The engine was equipped with a one pint gas tank, borrowed off a lawn mower. It would idle down the road at 30 mph, and they chickened out above 70.

[@randywilliams5337]

Love hearing those radial engines running.

[@bobtucker8875]

I must say ole boy U are always doin something very interesting 🤔. Guess that's why I enjoy your content so. TKS for sharing 😊.

[@bookworm67-hv7nm]

Morning Merlin from England it maybe scary to start BUT it sound's SO good when it does cracking job getting it going 👍👍

[@paulcooper9135]

Opened KZbin for my usual Sunay morning watching Mustie wrench on a VW flat 4 ... and found Merlin playing with a Radial!!! Some days just start perfect!!! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@brianschmidt2747]

Merlin, of all the people I watch on KZbin. You are the only one who can handle that engine. I have faith in you. God Speed Merlin.

[@s7courier]

Nothing sounds better than a round engine running. Congrats on getting it running.

[@AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C]

Best part of Sunday mornings in Arizona. Merlin, when you 1st spun the engine over the sound reminded me of the old Jimmy Stewart film "Flight of the Phoenix"

[@markbrown-us4xe]

This is how to make your dragster neighbor's jealous by shooting flames out of 9 exhaust pipes. Good content too. Thanks.

[@ginobiletic825]

Great video for us people that will never experience something like a startup of one of these engines,thanks for the ride along again Merlon 🇦🇺🦘

[@danclark6287]

It's awesome seeing that engine firing off would love to see that Diamond T running.

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

That thing sure makes some glorious noises!

[@glenncarr2121]

Hey Merlin , That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen on your channel ! I love the fact that you never know what you are going to see on your channel !😊😊😊😊😊

[@oneeyedjack4727]

I've always loved the "chop chop" of a radial engine idling and then the scream of a wide open pass. Thanks Merlin for having us along.

[@tankfixer59]

My shop in high school had an engine test cell. We could mount up aircraft engines and run them. Radials are always leakers a fire extinguisher is a good thing to keep handy too

[@lawrencetaylor5481]

I was watching a video once about old airplanes with these radial engines and the guy said the only time you need to worry about it leaking oil is when it stops leaking oil. He said they came from the factory leaking oil. Cool video Merlin.

[@khcopter]

Cool video Merlin!! can’t wait to see you. Finish the ultralight.!!

[@VernLang-m7o]

That sounds like a great neighborhood project for sure! Awesome video thanks for posting.

[@KitYeeScott]

Just remember, the prop normally acts as a fly-wheel. When running an engine off the plane they have special “props “ to give load and move air over cylinders

[@kimetherington2252]

Merlin, you never cease to amaze me! Catch you on the next. ✌️ 😊

[@opendstudio7141]

Gotta love the sound of those starters. It sounds like TROUBLE!!!

[@capicolaspicy]

Some of the sweetest noise on earth! She was running pretty smooth there by the end - nicely done Merlin!

[@Pushy8366]

Merlin there’s a guy that’s running one of those radial engines on a modified pulling tractor look up radial reactor is the name of the tractor believe me I’ve seen the tractor run many of times and it’s impressive to hear it run and pull

[@dogcreek8547]

That engine will draw all the gear heads like stink on you know what. Fairs, car show, any kind of show they will come from far and wide to listen to that engine, nice!

[@AlvinKidder]

I laughed when you jumped at the first fire up. I would have definitely jumped also.😊

[@davea5113]

Man, I'm from another country and when this beast started up, I soiled my underware. Can't imagine standing only inches away, you my friend must have nerves of steel !

[@eddief3326]

ford built a moster carb that was on early 2.5 ton cab fward bob trucks . the butter fly had seld bearing and it got about 5 mpgs. and would push a 50' chev. up hill loaded. that what the owner 's of bouth trucks said . thay hauled car from mi. to wa.

[@TimothyHigdonHiggs]

Wow!!! Merlin can do anything!!

[@rockercover]

This engine sounds like a beast. Like I might have commented before, when you were picking this engine up, this is the second one I have now seen run. 🔥✅👍‼️

[@kirbysisk7003]

Something that leaks more oil than a harley. Good job guys. Fire it up at night for us. Flames for days.

[@notter59]

Oil usage/leakage is common with big old radials. I think they measure it in gallons/hour like fuel. Funny stuff about turning it over by hand. Oil tends to collect in the lower cylinders. Don't want to hydrolock it.

[@jimw3799]

Would love to spend some time just hanging out at Merlin's garage.

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Now, that is gnarly! Merlin style all day. Thanks

[@dogcreek8547]

It definitely has the cool factor, it will steal the show. Might want to build a removable cage for it, so no one gets hurt. if she blows.

[@stevecasselman152]

With all the comments I wanted to add that radio engines were designed with high tolerances. That being said before you start the engine, common procedure is turn the engine over dry to get the oil out of the bottom cylinders, also after sitting for long periods you might have too pull the spark plugs on the bottom cylinders to drain the oil. Once hot fired the rings will expand to tolerance. I miss the radial sound days and av gas smell...

[@rodneyprimm5984]

Wow Merlin, that is totally awesome. You can make anything run. Is there anything you can't do lol? Love the video s God Bless 🙏❤

[@77Sunsetstrip]

Put it in a swamp boat for Lake Havasu ! !!!! What a blast it would be.

[@davidgourdie3691]

New Demo Donk for car/Reno air shows around your neck of the woods.Trailer paint and bling wheels as a finishing touch.Towed behind the rollback etc.

[@stnkyp8]

Oh man, I have been waiting for this one. Nothing like that radial sound…Pure power! Thanks for the video Merlin.

[@georgeweisbrod1876]

M. All the radial engines do that. Watch the old WWII army air force films of prestart B-17's. Crews get in line as each man walks forward. He grabs a prop blade and walks it. As blade goes up. He releases the prop and gets back to end of line. Round and round the crew walks the props. Reason. Is to clear the lower cylinder combustion chambers of oil so it doesn't hydro-lock. Over night it would be common for half quart of oil to collect in chamber. You will usually see a crewman on a ladder next to engine. His job is to refill oil lost due oil migration.

[@mattheworr6050]

Hey Marlin look back at your footage when you were putting the pin back in the rocker arm on the plane motor. The footage was sped up and right when you still had about 2 inches of pin sticking up it looked like you only tapped it one last time and the pin fell in of its own volition. IT WAS LIKE THE PIN WENT IN IN SLOW MOTION. I thought it looked cool and just thought you would like to see what I saw in case you didn't see it when it was edited. Thanks for the great content.

[@don-iu1rx]

thats why we watch your channel

[@jennyrickner7607]

Pretty cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnperun232]

Merlin, outstanding Work and Content Love getting up on Sunday Fresh Cup of Coffee And seeing what Merlin is up to today Always appreciate your time and Videos ? A little scary watching your radial engine your knowledge and experience along with Makay and Brad is Awesome and Very Impressive Have a Great Day 👍 Thanx for All John

[@johnperun232]

Merlin,Thanx for All

[@oleukeman]

I’ve been waiting for the return of this. Love these radial engines.

[@davidgwin4540]

Same here! It sounds like a gang of Harly Davisons running without the prop on it.

[@MagentaRV]

Some day, when the kids are all grown up and moved out, I'd love to get one of those engines and build an air boat sand cruiser out of it...

[@jonkline5519]

Like others have said we are idiots but sometimes we do things right definitely needs to go on a shirt Also I'm surprised you don't have a stubby prop on the front of that so that you can at least have the prop wash going over the cylinders to make sure they stay cool once you do get it running I like watching your channel cuz I never know what kind of adventure you're going to get into next

[@johnh8917]

I think this is the first device ive seen Merlin be slightly intimidated by.😂 id be scared shitless to stand near that thing when it fires up.

[@garymcmullin2292]

Wow what a treat this video was. I bet there were a few times you were thinking it maybe was not so good an idea to do this one and wanted to throw in the tower? I am glad you and Mc Kay pushed on. Nothing more satisfying than to hear the sound of a radial. Well let me restate that, watching you work and think your way through a project is top shelf for us viewers. Thanks Merlin.

[@mannsonthemove2958]

In my aircraft mechanic school, we had 20 Continental engines out of tanks that we would tear apart put back together and run on a test stand. You brought back the old days with this one.

[@1964Mooney]

Nothing sounds or smells quite as nice as a radial engine starting in the morning! 🙂 I grew up with radial engines PW 1830s R-2600s R 985s Shaky Jakes No such thing as a dry radial engine. They mark their territory every where they go.

[@oldbloke100]

that 4 or 5 gallons of fuel isn't going to last long, hahaha. Great job Merlin.

[@brwsdad1]

Merlin you jumped pretty good when it first fired, cool project

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Awesome, Merlin! This video is epic! The things you get into. That's why I enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing ✨️

[@Bruce.Walker]

Sounds like the millennium falcon trying to start! May the force be with you.

[@kryan318]

wow what a project. love the wind up sounds of those old engines when they start. need a t shirt we're idiots.... lol

[@bradleymadosh911]

I dont think there is a motor Merlin couldn't get going. It's unbelievable what you know and do

[@hipboots1]

Looked like the Wizard of Oz behind that curtain of cylinder heads LOL Magical Merlin!!!

[@mikebarnes1535]

Merlin you have so much fun with some of the shit you drag up

[@Cusackkkk]

Put that in a hot rod Merlin!!

[@utahyork3338]

Waiting for episode where Merlin and Mackay build a sand rail with this beast!

[@Cantsaydog]

Love those engines Good job Merlin 💯✊🇺🇸

[@patrickmiddleton5182]

Merlin you amaze me with all the knowledge that you have. You are indeed an excellent mechanic. A good friend to have around to the people that know you. Thank you

[@chuckg9805]

Sounds like a AA Fuel Rail !!! Great job, thanks for the video.

[@danmustard5879]

There is cool, And then there is this!!!! Very cool Video!!!!!

[@gcslade]

LOve.....love😍 the sound of radial engines. Really cool project! Please move the engine trailer to point exhaust away from your garage interior; you will be smelling that burnt oil for years.

[@CodeNinja79]

"I'm not getting enough fuel" No kidding, each of those cylinders looks to be bigger than a liter, maybe 2, in displacement. And there are 9 of them. That thing is rowdy!

[@andrewdillon7837]

My m8 used to work on a Sherman tank,,had a radial like that,,,,anyway,,you drain the oil from the bottom cylinder b4 starting ,they already found out the hard way,,,i think there is a tap or something.. Hi from New Zealand..

[@katreniaclark]

It's almost like every cylinder wants its own 1/4 tube of fuel. That is just AWESOME.

[@alkennedy1124]

They all dripping oil, just ask a old timer,and they will tell you ,they all drip like that, lol thanks BigAl,you should make a air pontoon boat our of that eng,lol thanks BigAl California

[@bobstratton6362]

Finally got to see it run! Great video. Just glad I’m not your neighbor 😂😂😂😂😂

[@vk1pe]

Put some type of flywheel load on the engine shaft. A balanced chunk of metal, something.

[@JonFromAustralia]

You make me laugh like no one else on youtube, great video!